Sudden Duck Death

[Its_Bri01]

To describe my ducks enclosure: they have a coop (house) that leads into a run. Everything is enclosed and has locks on them (predator proof). I came home to find one of my ducks inside their coop on their back (I am not sure exactly how long it was on its back for). I flipped it over and the duck immediately just flopped down. It could not hold itself up. It had labored breathing. It also had very little blood on the tip of one of their wings. No other injuries were observed. No feathers were plucked off. I picked it up and it stayed alive for about 2 minutes until it threw its head back and starting flopping around while in my arms. About another 2 minutes go by and it died. The duck lived with 2 other ducks in the coop but I honestly do not think they killed it because I feel like more injuries would be present. The duck seemed perfectly healthy. Great appetite, drank water, walked fine, etc. Just an hour ago all 3 of them were outside in their run walking around so I am so confused on what might have happened. It was so sudden. The other 2 ducks seem fine but I am so scared because of how sudden this death was. Any ideas on what may have happened? It was very warm, the body stiffened rather quickly after it died. The only observable concern was when I opened the mouth, I saw there was a mucous like substance filling her throat.

 

[Pastel the Rooster]

To describe my ducks enclosure: they have a coop (house) that leads into a run. Everything is enclosed and has locks on them (predator proof). I came home to find one of my ducks inside their coop on their back (I am not sure exactly how long it was on its back for). I flipped it over and the duck immediately just flopped down. It could not hold itself up. It had labored breathing. It also had very little blood on the tip of one of their wings. No other injuries were observed. No feathers were plucked off. I picked it up and it stayed alive for about 2 minutes until it threw its head back and starting flopping around while in my arms. About another 2 minutes go by and it died. The duck lived with 2 other ducks in the coop but I honestly do not think they killed it because I feel like more injuries would be present. The duck seemed perfectly healthy. Great appetite, drank water, walked fine, etc. Just an hour ago all 3 of them were outside in their run walking around so I am so confused on what might have happened. It was so sudden. The other 2 ducks seem fine but I am so scared because of how sudden this death was. Any ideas on what may have happened? It was very warm, the body stiffened rather quickly after it died. The only observable concern was when I opened the mouth, I saw there was a mucous like substance filling her throat.

Possibly Avaian Influenza. Get the other ducks tested. I am afraid that if the duck had it you will need to put all of your poultry down. I am so sorry about the duck and I hope it is not avian flu. I do not know the symptoms of bird flu, but sudden death is one. But sudden death is also symptoms of other things. I am so sorry that I am not more help!

 

[Quatie]

Sorry to hear about your duck. If you still have the duck you can send it in for a necropsy.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

How old was this duck? Are her flockmates also female? I'm so sorry.